Distance for Difference’s (D4D) THE500 bi-annual fundraising event takes place at NH The Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, on Saturday October 12 and Sunday October 13.
The event offers four participating options: The Full Rider (10 x 50km laps), the Lap Rider (cycle one or more laps of 50km each), the 24-Hour Spinning Team and the 24-Hour Solo Spinner.
The outside event starts at the hotel, with the route taking riders through Stellenbosch and Kuils River, and back to the hotel.
The night laps are partly off-road at Lourensford Wine Estate. Cyclists will stretch themselves to the limit of their abilities to cycle 500km in 24 hours, with short breaks every two hours.
Concurrently running on the hour, there will be 24 spinning classes of 45 minutes each, presented by Virgin Active instructors at the hotel.
Corporates and social teams are invited to book a bike for R950, and occupy it for 24 hours.
Says Stéphan Pieterse, founder of D4D: “THE500 is a fundraising event and we encourage all participants and organisations to help us reach our R1 million fundraising target for this year’s event.
“It is possible to make this a reality. Nothing is impossible.”
Stéphan says Distance for Difference’s aim is to create a better future for children by focusing on family life and education.
“Together we can make a huge difference by using sport as a platform to raise awareness and funds for children’s charities. Fifty percent of the funds raised via THE500 will be donated to PATCH Helderberg, while the other 50% will go towards various children charities supported by D4D,” he says.
PATCH provides child survivors of sexual abuse with 24-hour crisis intervention, free professional therapy, court preparation, as well as providing prevention and awareness programmes in surrounding schools within the Helderberg area.
“This event will provide many children with the treatment and support they so desperately need.”
Distance For Difference (D4D) is a registered non-profit organisation, which over the past 14 years has made a significant contribution towards the wellbeing of children.
They have raised close to R7 million since their inception.
THE500 is unique in that it requires a group of individual cyclists to complete 50km in 24 hours.
The group has to complete 10 laps of 50km each (five day laps and five night laps).
To complete the race in time, they need to maintain an average speed of 23km/h throughout the event. About 67% of previous entrants managed to complete the event successfully.
Stéphan says: “The vibe created by the spinners in the hotel act as a much needed energy boost and encouragement for THE500 cyclists.
“Join in the fun and help make a substantial difference. You’ll experience a great sense of satisfaction, accomplishment and gratefulness.”
Visit https://d4dsa.co.za/ for more information, to register or donate.
For more information, contact Tacia Roux at 082 415 5595, and to find out more about PATCH, call 021 852 6110, or email ada@
preciouspatch.co.za
